Who owns the work I create as a freelancer?

By default, as an independent contractor, you retain copyright in your work unless you assign it in writing. Many freelance contracts include work-for-hire language or IP assignment clauses that transfer all rights to the client. Revealr flags when this is overly broad.

What is a kill fee in a freelance contract?

A kill fee is compensation paid if the client cancels the project after work has begun. Many freelance contracts do not include one, leaving you uncompensated for work already done. Revealr flags missing or inadequate kill fee provisions.

What does "unlimited revisions" mean in a contract?

It means the client can request changes indefinitely at no extra charge. This is one of the most common ways freelancers lose money. Revealr flags open-ended revision clauses.

What payment terms are standard for freelance contracts?

Net-30 is common, but net-15 or 50% upfront / 50% on delivery is preferable. Revealr flags contracts with no payment timeline, no late fee provision, or payment only upon client approval.

Can a freelance contract prevent me from working with other clients?

Only if it includes an exclusivity or non-solicitation clause. Revealr flags exclusivity provisions and non-solicitation of clients or employees.

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Freelance Contract Review — Protect Your Work Before the Project Starts

Freelance contracts are written by clients — which means they are written to protect the client. IP ownership that strips you of your work, payment terms with no late fees, kill fees that leave you with nothing, and revision clauses with no limits are all standard in client-drafted agreements. Revealr reads your freelance contract and surfaces the clauses that most commonly disadvantage the freelancer, so you can push back before you start the work.

Full clause-by-clause review — every section, not just the highlights
Risk score 0–100 — understand severity at a glance
Plain-English explanations — no legal jargon required
Specific action steps — exactly what to negotiate or ask
PDF + email delivery — share with the other party or an attorney

12,000+ contracts analyzed·★ 4.9

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What Should Every Freelance Contract Include?

What Revealr checks in freelance contracts

IP ownership and work-for-hire

Who owns the work — including rejected concepts and preliminary drafts

Payment terms and late fees

When you get paid, how, and whether late fees protect you

Kill fee and cancellation terms

What you receive if the client cancels mid-project

Revision clauses

Whether revisions are limited or can continue indefinitely

Non-solicitation of clients

Whether the contract restricts your other client relationships

Clauses That Cost Freelancers the Most

Here is what a Revealr analysis looks like for a real Freelance Agreement.

Revealr Analysis

Freelance Agreement

Risk Score

74 / 100

CRITICAL§6.1

Overbroad Intellectual Property Assignment

All work product created under this agreement, including preliminary and rejected concepts, is assigned to the client as work-for-hire. This clause transfers even work created before this contract on related topics. Add a carve-out for pre-existing materials and rejected concepts.

WARNING§4.2

No Kill Fee Provision

This contract does not include a kill fee or cancellation compensation clause. If the client cancels the project after you have begun work, you have no contractual right to payment. Add a kill fee of 25–50% of the project value.

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How Revealr Protects Freelancers Before They Start Work

Freelancers reviewing a client contract

The client sent you an agreement and you want to check it before signing

Designers, writers, and developers

Your work is valuable and you want to make sure you retain the rights you should

New freelancers

This is your first freelance contract and you want to understand what is standard

Most freelance contract disputes involve one of four issues: unpaid invoices, IP ownership conflicts, scope creep, or cancelled projects with no compensation. All four are preventable with a thorough contract review before work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related tools & guides

review your service agreement contractor agreement review consulting agreement review guide: freelance contract mistakes to avoid guide: consulting agreement red flags

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Revealr provides AI-assisted document analysis for informational purposes only. Freelance contract law varies by jurisdiction. For significant project values or IP disputes, consult a contracts attorney.